Trigger Finger

Trigger finger is a painful condition that causes the fingers, especially the thumb, to catch or lock when bent or straightened. In advanced cases, the finger may temporarily lock. When this occurs in the thumb, it is called trigger thumb.

This condition usually results from inflammation of the tendon sheath and sometimes involves a cyst in the sheath. The inflammation interferes with tendon movement, causing it to get stuck.

People who frequently use their fingers and thumbs, or those with rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or diabetes, are more likely to develop this condition.

Diagnosis is typically clinical, based on a physician’s examination.

Treatment:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can reduce pain but usually do not remove the cause of tendon catching.

• Rest, splinting, medication, and stretching exercises are part of conservative treatment.

• Corticosteroid injection into the tendon sheath is one of the most effective non-surgical treatments.

• In severe cases or when conservative treatments fail, surgery may be required. Surgery involves removing the inflamed sheath and releasing the tendon at the base of the finger.